Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: cozy, rich, and layered with flavor. Juicy bites of ground beef and Italian sausage mingle with tender bowtie pasta, all tossed in a silky garlic butter cream sauce. Wilted spinach adds a pop of color and a welcome touch of earthiness, while a generous sprinkle of parmesan finishes things off perfectly.

This dish brings restaurant-level comfort straight to your kitchen. It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours. The garlic butter sauce clings to every fold of the pasta, soaking in savory juices from the sausage and beef. It’s a recipe worth repeating—especially when you’re craving something hearty but easy.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) works beautifully here, holding the creamy garlic butter sauce in its ridges and center folds. However, if you don’t have bowtie on hand, penne, rotini, or rigatoni will also do a great job of carrying the sauce and bits of meat. The goal is to use a pasta shape that has surface area and texture.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Ground Beef: Adds hearty richness and bulks up the sauce with savory flavor.

Italian Sausage: Offers herby, spiced notes and renders flavorful fat that becomes the base of the sauce.

Bowtie Pasta: Holds the sauce well and gives the dish a playful, classic shape.

Fresh Spinach: Lightens the dish with color and nutrients while mellowing the richness.

Garlic Cloves: Essential for the bold garlic butter flavor we’re after.

Butter: Forms the luxurious base for the garlic butter sauce.

Heavy Cream: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, velvety texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and umami while helping the sauce cling.

Salt & Pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed, if needed), breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-9 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the meat is browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Once the meat is browned and set aside, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Add grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Add in the drained bowtie pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss in fresh spinach and gently stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the creamy pasta into bowls and top with extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of flavor!

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet to your plate. The cream sauce is at its peak when it’s velvety and smooth, so don’t let it sit too long. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple baguette is a perfect addition for sopping up extra sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use whole milk for a lighter sauce. Reduce the butter slightly and opt for lean ground beef to cut back on richness.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thawed frozen spinach works just fine. Just be sure to squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce to avoid thinning it out.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Sweet or mild Italian sausage is ideal for balance, but spicy Italian sausage will add extra kick if you like heat.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and parmesan are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the components (meat, sauce, pasta) separately and combine them just before serving for better texture.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Stir in a bit of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream to loosen it up. A little goes a long way!

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the richness of this creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta, here are a few more hearty and delicious pasta recipes worth trying:

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef if you want another garlic-forward comfort dish.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for that melt-in-your-mouth steakhouse feel.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli when you want broccoli to share the spotlight.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a one-pan, weeknight favorite.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re after something cozy and minimal cleanup.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it any time: Life with Jam Pinterest

And don’t forget to drop a comment if you try it! Did you add mushrooms or swap in kale? Did you go extra garlic (we love that)?

Hearing how you make these recipes your own is the best part—questions welcome too. Let’s keep dinnertime inspired!

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of comfort meal that satisfies every craving. Juicy ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage combine in a rich garlic butter cream sauce with wilted spinach and parmesan. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking apart until browned and no longer pink, about 7–9 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving a bit for flavor. Set meat aside.

2. In a separate pot, boil water with salt and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the rest.

3. Return the skillet to medium heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in heavy cream, simmering for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

5. Return cooked meat to the pan. Add pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss in fresh spinach and stir gently until wilted.

6. Serve hot, garnished with more parmesan and parsley if desired.